While coach Jurgen Klinsmann 안전놀이터(59) of the Korean national soccer team watched the game in person, midfielder Lee Jae-seong (31), the ‘engine of the Korean national team’, flew wildly. He attempted a shot to set the stage for the equalizer and contributed to the sinking of the ‘giant’ Bayern Munich.
Mainz won a 3-1 come-from-behind victory in the 29th round home game of the German Bundesliga in the 2022-23 season at the MEWA Arena in Mainz, Germany on the 22nd (Korean time).
With this victory, Mainz ran undefeated in 10 consecutive games (6 wins, 4 draws) and marked the season with 12 wins, 9 draws and 8 losses. With 45 points, Mainz moved up to 6th place in the league.
On the other hand, Munich, which is in fierce competition for the championship, has only 1 draw and 1 loss in the last 2 league matches. Munich recorded 17 wins, 8 draws and 4 losses (59 points), giving the lead to Dortmund (19 wins, 3 draws, 7 losses, 60 points).
Munich, which is trying to win the league for 11 consecutive seasons, has reigned as the strongest team in the German Bundesliga. However, it has been showing signs of faltering lately. In March, even manager Julian Nagelsmann was fired and new manager Thomas Tuchel was appointed. However, since then, they have not been able to perform as well as expected with 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss.
Lee Jae-seong took the opportunity to start in four games and ran all over the ground throughout the game. Based on his unique vigorous activity and ability to participate in defense, he contributed to both offense and defense.
In the 20th minute of the second half when the team was trailing 0-1, Jae-Sung Lee attempted a shot to set the stage for an equalizer. After the free-kick, a chaotic situation ensued, and a cross from the right flowed back. Towards this, Lee Jae-seong promptly rushed to the door and attempted a scissor kick shot. The ball bounced once and Munich goalkeeper Jan Sommer managed to knock it off, but Ludovic Azorke returned it with his head and returned the score 1-1. It was the moment when Lee Jae-sung’s tenacious shot led to an equalizer.
On this day, Mainz conceded the opening goal and took the lead. In the 29th minute of the first half, João Cancelo from the left side raised a sharp cross towards the goal. The ball hit Mane’s head and went into Mainz’s goal. Mane recently caused a stir by punching teammate Leroy Sane in the face. However, in this match, he scored the opening goal and reciprocated the support of the Munich fans.
Afterwards, Mainz tied the score 1-1 with Lee Jae-sung’s performance. Mainz continued to drive Munich. Lee Jae-seong often penetrated deep into the opponent’s camp and helped Mainz’s attack. He played organically with his teammates, attempting a smooth first touch like flowing water and a sharp and accurate pass.
In the end, Mainz overturned the game in the 28th minute of the second half. In the 28th minute of the second half, Leandro Martins, who received a pass from Karim Osiniwo in a mixed situation, connected it with a finishing shot from the front of the penalty area. Even at this moment, Lee Jae-seong penetrated the penalty area and watched his teammate’s equalizer.
Lee Jae-seong was substituted for Amen Barkok in the 32nd minute of the second half and finished his game that day. In the 34th minute of the second half, Aaron Caricole succeeded in a left-footed shot from the left side of Mainz, putting a wedge in the game. Football statistics media WhoScored.com gave Lee Jae-seong a relatively average rating of 6.7 after the match.
Meanwhile, coach Klinsmann personally visited the MEWA Arena that day and watched the match between Mainz and Munich and Lee Jae-sung. Currently, head coach Klinsman travels around Europe to directly check the physical condition of the Korean national team players. He previously visited England to check Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan, and went to Italy to take care of Kim Min-jae. It is reported that Klinsmann’s German schedule will be accompanied by national team goalkeeper coach Andreas Goepke.
Coincidentally, Bayern Munich was a team where Klinsmann played as a player in the past and served as a manager. Against such Munich, Lee Jae-seong performed well and impressed coach Klinsmann. Lee Jae-seong started in both A-matches last March and is trusted by coach Klinsman. The Korean soccer team will invite Peru (ranked 21st in the FIFA rankings) on June 16 and El Salvador (ranked 75) on the 20th to play friendly matches. Lee Jae-seong is also aiming for a promotion to the national team based on his outstanding performance in the Bundesliga